Kensington Cable Lock Instructions

Kensington cable locks are locking mechanisms created to keep your electronic items, such as a laptop computer, safe. A cable is connected to the locking mechanism, which allows you to secure your item to a solid object. In order to properly use your Kensington cable lock, you need to reset the factory preset combination and learn the proper technique for securing your electronic items.

Resetting the Combination

Kensington cable locks have a four-digit combination locking device that is preset to open with the combination "0000." Before using the lock, you should change the combination. To change the combination, adjust the number dials so they are set to "0000" and insert the reset tool into the holes around the lock button. Twist the reset tool clockwise until the separate black marks on the edge of the lock come together to form a straight line. The locking mechanism is now ready to learn the new code. Turn each of the number dials to one number in the new combination. Make sure the combination is a number you can easily remember.

With the new combination input into the device, turn the reset tool counterclockwise until it no longer moves and pull the reset tool out of the lock. The Kensington cable lock now opens with the new combination.

Using the Lock

Many laptop computers and several other electronic devices, such as projectors, external hard drives and televisions, have a small hole on the device with the symbol of a padlock next to it. This is known as a Kensington security slot, or K-Slot. Kensington cable locks are compatible with K-Slots.

To lock up your device, wrap the cable around a solid fixed object. If you can easily remove the cable from the object you are wrapping it around, the lock is not effective. Slide the locking mechanism through the hole in the cable and insert the T-Bar of the lock into the K-Slot. The T-Bar is located on the same side of the lock as the cable.

Press in on the lock button and turn the lock counterclockwise approximately 90 degrees. With the button pressed in, turn all of the dials on the lock so your combination is not showing. Pull on the lock to ensure it is properly inserted into the K-Slot and secure.

When you want to remove the Kensington cable lock, press in on the lock button and rotate the dials of the lock until your combination is entered. Turn the lock back 90 degrees and remove it from the K-Slot.